But the former World Cup No.2 reckons Ford should be axed against England on Saturday.

Fall guy Ford was blasted by fans and pundits in the wake of last weekend’s 28-6 hammering by Ireland – and his performance even saw him trending on Twitter.

But McKenzie insists the player should not have been singled out in spite of his dodgy display in the lineout and scrum.

With boss Scott Johnson due to reveal his line-up today, McKenzie said: “Ross got the flak but that was a bit unfair.

“In the lineouts, the jumpers?and lifters were every bit as much to blame. Because Ross is such a big guy, people expect more than we maybe get from him.

“So although I wouldn’t heap all the criticism on him, perhaps it is time for the bosses to give ?someone else a shot.”

McKenzie sees no light at the end of the tunnel. He said: “It will be a hard day at the office. England looked pretty good against France and were unlucky to lose

“I can’t help feeling Scotland’s biggest game will be when they take on Italy in Rome. It looks like being a wooden spoon decider.”

Gregor Townsend – one of the nation’s best-ever No.10s – insists he will be stunned if Johnson does not allow Duncan Weir to keep his role.

There have been calls for Stuart Hogg to be playmaker but Glasgow boss Toony swears that would be negative.

He said: “Duncan played well in Dublin. He hadn’t started for us for a couple of weeks so to go into that environment and perform so solidly is testament to the hard work he has put in.

“Stuart excelled for Glasgow at Exeter and against Toulon and was superb in Dublin.

“He’s playing very well at full-back, why would you change that?”

Meanwhile, England prop Joe Marler isn’t fazed by the shocking state of the Murrayfield pitch. Bugs are destroying the turf but Marler insists he has played on worse.

The Harlequins star, who once played for Bristol outfit Dings Crusaders, said: “The pitch there was full of sand, pebbles, glass – hopefully Murrayfield won’t be as bad as that. It’s something we’ve not spoken too much about.

“We know the pitch will probably be terrible and so will the conditions but you just get on with it as it affects both sides.”

England will also name their starting XV today. With wing Jonny May and lock Courtney Lawes now clear of injury, they will choose from the same matchday squad selected against France.